Senate passes Steven Tyler Act

Bill seeks to protect celebrities from the paparazzi

The Hawaii state Senate has passed a bill that seeks to protect celebrities from overeager paparazzi.

The so-called Steven Tyler Act would create a civil violation if people take unwanted photos or videos of others in their private moments.

The rock star from Massachusetts asked Sen. Kalani English to sponsor the legislation after unwanted photos were taken of him last December in Maui.

Twenty-three of the state's 25 Senate members voted in favor of the bill, which now goes to the House for consideration.

Sen. Sam Slom, the body's only Republican, opposed the bill. He says the state already has adequate privacy laws and that the state Legislature has been the butt of jokes across the country for its support of the bill.

Sen. Les Ihara also voted against the measure.

Copyright 2013 by The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.